Wonder Body has his say!! Stephen "Wonder Body" Thompson has been universally recognized as one of the best strikers in the history of MMA but even he thinks there is limits Oblique kicks have always been a huge talking point in MMA, the insane damage it can do not only in the fight but in careers has many people debating whether they should be banned. Some say it is too much risk others view it as just another tool you have to defend yourself against, what do you think?
Stephen "Wonder Body" Thompson has added his voice to one of MMA's most persistent debates: whether the oblique kick has gone too far. The longtime welterweight striker believes there are limits, even for a fighter widely regarded as one of the sport's elite strikers.
The oblique kick, aimed at the front of an opponent's leg or knee, has been a recurring talking point across the sport. Its ability to inflict serious damage, both within a single fight and over the course of a career, has led some to argue it should be banned. Others see it as one more tool that fighters must learn to defend, just like any other strike.
Thompson, 43, is a native of the United States and trains out of Team Upstate Karate. He holds a 17-9-1 record and fights from an orthodox stance. His karate-based, long-range style has made him a reference point for striking at the highest level of the sport.
The numbers back up that reputation. Thompson lands 4.11 significant strikes per minute at a 46 percent accuracy rate. He stands six feet tall, or 183 cm, with a 75-inch reach, or 191 cm. He rarely looks for the takedown, averaging just 0.25 per 15 minutes, and has recorded no submission attempts per 15 minutes. His game is built on distance, timing and kicks, which gives his opinion particular weight in a debate about leg-targeting strikes.
Why it matters
- The debate touches on fighter safety and career longevity, not just single-fight outcomes.
- Opinions remain split between those calling for a ban and those who see the oblique kick as a legitimate technique to be defended.
- A voice like Thompson's, from a veteran striker, adds credibility to the conversation about where the line should be drawn.
No rule change has been reported, and the discussion remains an open one among fighters, coaches and fans.
